The Unholy Trinity

Yuletide Party (Zoey's POV)

I was so excited for the party! 

I wanted to know what my surprise was, but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. Simone said I would like it and I trust her. 

The first hour of the party was wonderful. Zander and I were laughing with the other guests. He’s talking about Kilcross with the wizards, I’m discussing future plans with brilliant successful witches. We took a few pictures, and had lots of food and drinks. I was having the time of my life.

Zander got caught up in an intense conversation about Kilcross and I decided to go get a drink on my own. I spotted Chloey fighting her way through the crowd, looking disheveled. I joined her and Joey.

It is very strange that Chloey and I ended up falling for the guys that we didn’t originally have crushes on. But I guess things just work out like that. Chloey was right though. How does everything always work out for Joey? She’s practically in love with Marsden which made me kind of uncomfortable. There’s something about him that seemed off to me. 

Maybe it’s because all of my friends dislike him and have told me terrible things about him and Tate said he was dangerous. He did really seem to care a lot about Joey, so maybe that’s all I should really worry about.

I pushed thoughts of Joey and Marsden out of my mind and focused on Zander. We’re having the most incredible night together.

“So...this surprise. When do I get it?” I asked.

“Well someone sure is eager.” He grinned. 

“Very eager and very curious. Now come on, Craft,  give me the goods!”

“Oh you’ll definitely get the goods later.”

“That’s not the surprise is it? While s*x with you is one the single best parts of my life currently, it’s not exactly a surprise at this point. Kind of used to it now.”

“Don’t tell me you’re bored with s*x?”

“Oh, I’m not saying that. In fact I love the consistency. I like that I can always count on you physically.” I smiled.

“What about emotionally?” Zander asked.

“Yeah I can count on you with that too.”

“Good. I count on you for those things too. And I love that our relationship turned into this. Honestly at first I thought-”

“What are you even doing here?” We turned and saw someone screaming at Marsden.

The commotion only went on for a moment before Director Magnus put a stop to it. Joey looked wildly upset before going after Marsden. I hoped she was okay.

“That was weird.” I said. “Anyways, what were you saying?”

“When I first asked you out I didn’t think you really liked me.”

“Why would you think that?”

“I thought you had a thing for Tate.” He admitted. I really liked Zander and I wanted to be honest with him.

“I did.” I stated. “But I realized that nothing would ever happen between him and I so I let it go. I decided to give you a chance because you were sweet and caring. And now I know I made the absolute right choice in that. I’m really falling for you Zander.”

He stared at me for a moment. Oh no. I shouldn’t have admitted to him that I had liked Tate. I basically just told him he’s a second choice.

“You really mean that?” He asked.

I nodded. “Of course I do. I’m mad for you Zander, I need you to know that.”

“Good. I mean that’s what I told him.”

“Told who?” 

“Tate. He came to me yesterday telling me that you and he had this intense connection that I should be aware of and that our relationship was kind of a charade.”

Fury ran through my veins. I was gonna kill that boy.

“Don’t listen to Tate. He’s jealous and bitter. He’s mad because he decided too late that he wasn't happy with his relationship. But really, he has nothing to do with us, I swear. Please don’t listen to him.”

“I won’t.” Zander said simply. “You’re the one I trust. And I’m really happy to be with you. And I wanted to show you that.” 

He pulled something out of his pocket. It was a velvet box. He opened it and there was the most beautiful locket in the shape of a heart. No one had ever given me jewelry before.

“Zander...it’s wow, it's gorgeous.” I whispered.

“Yeah, so are you. I just want to give you a heart because well...you have mine.”

“You have mine too.” I kissed him hard. “Can I wear it now?”

“Of course.” I turned around and put the necklace on. It felt absolutely perfect on my neck. 

“Zander, this is the best present I have ever had. You are the best boyfriend I’ve ever had.” I kissed him again. “Do you want to meet my mom?”

“Wait seriously?” He asked. “O-of course I do. I want to get really serious with you, Zoey.”

“Come home with me for the holidays. Spend Yuletide with me and my family.”

“Are you sure?”

“I have never been more sure of anything in my life.” We kissed.

“Zoey, can I talk to you?” It was Tate. I rolled my eyes.

“No.” I said firmly.

“It’s really important.”

“So is what I’m doing right now.”

“It’s about Joey.” He said. 

It seemed serious. I looked over at Zander. “It’s okay, babe. Go. Your sister is more important.”

“I will be right back.” I promised, kissing him.

“Alright, Highmore, what’s going on?” I questioned as we slipped behind the curtain.

“I think Joey is in danger.”

“Right now? Because I’m pretty sure she’s enjoying the party with her boyfriend.”

“He’s why she’s in danger.” Tate said seriously. “I think he may be in league with Dark Vampiric Warlocks.”

“What?” I asked incredulously. “Look, Tate, I know you don’t like Marsden, because of everything with his dad. I’m not a fan of him either. But that’s a serious accusation. Why would you think that?”

“I heard him talking to Sage Redwood! She's one too! Count Killoran is using him to get to hurt the Chancellor. Your sister knows he’s a Dark Vampiric Warlock. Once Count Killoran finds out he’s in love with her he’s gonna use her to punish him if he messes up!”

“Woah slow down! You’re insane! Joey is not dating a Dark Vampiric Vampire! She hates them more than Chloey and I do after what happened with our Father. I know Marsden’s family is deep in that life, but no way he’s one of them. I mean, what would he even do for Count Killoran?”

“I don’t know that exactly, but I’m sure it’s about Director Magnus. I-I think he has to kill him to hurt the Chancellor. He set Jade after him. He has a mission. Th-that’s why Marsden has been so off this year. He’s stressed about what he has to do. Joey is the only thing keeping him sane, which means she’s in danger.”

“Tate, you have to realize how insane all of this sounds? I mean you think Marsden Thorton is going to kill someone? And Sage Redwood is helping him? She's my mom’s best friend. And my sister is gonna stand by and watch it happen? Why would she do that?” I asked.

“Because Joey is in love with him. I heard her say it myself. She is completely devoted to Marsden Thorton now and that puts her in jeopardy of getting hurt in a much bigger way than just getting her heart broken.” Tate explained.

“Why are you even telling me all of this? If this is true, what the hell do you think I could do?”

“You need to get her away from him. Make her see he’s not good for her.”

“I can’t do that Tate. You don’t know Joey, you don’t understand what she’s like. If you tell her to stay away from someone, she’s not going to do it, especially not Marsden. You are right about the fact that she’s in love with him, which means there is nothing that can make her leave him. She doesn't use her head, she uses her heart. And if her heart is with him, that’s where it's gonna remain until she decides it won’t anymore.”

“Then maybe you can get her to be a double spy?” Tate suggested. “Give us information about what Marsden is up to? Director Magnus could help, he could tell his wife.”

“I’m not gonna use my sister for your little rivalry Tate.” I said. “I mean you have absolutely no proof that Marsden is what you’re saying he is. You’re just guessing and this is not something you go into just guessing. My sister knows what she’s doing. Leave her out of whatever this is you understand me?” 

“Zoey, please, just talk to her. Make sure she’s okay. Of course I want to stop whatever Thorton is doing, but I’m genuinely worried about her. She doesn’t know what she’s getting into. Th-the Thortons are not safe!”

“Fine, I’ll talk to her if that’ll get you off my back.” I snapped.

“Thanks.”

“Oh and Zander told me you talked to him. Consider us not friends again, you asshole!”

“Zoey!” Tate called after me, but I didn’t answer. I had had enough of him for the night.

“What was that about?” Zander asked.

“Tate wants Joey to break up with Marsden or something. It’s very silly.” I insisted. “Let’s get back to having fun.

I really tried to have fun, but Tate’s words were running through my mind. I looked at Joey and Marsden. They were charming the pants off of Director Magnus’ guests. No way this guy  who had his arm around my sister’s waist and looked at her like she invented magic was in league with Dark Vampiric Warlocks.  And my sister definitely wouldn’t be with someone who was, right?

Of course not. She hated them. But did she love Marsden more than she hated them? Could it be possible that Tate wasn’t paranoid or driven by hate? I would just talk to her. See if everything is okay, and if she says it is then it is.

That would have to wait. For now I was going to enjoy my night with Zander and not think of that d**k Tate Highmore.